1,354,473 research outputs found
Delamarella galateae Cottarelli 1971
No full text<i>DELAMARELLA GALATEAE</i> COTTARELLI, 1971 <p>Originally described from Sardinia (Cottarelli, 1971), the species has now also been found on mainland Italy (Sorrento area).</p> <p> <i>Type locality:</i> Italy, Sardinia, north coast, beach near mouth of Rio de li Saldi, 200 m upstream.</p> <p> <i>Material examined:</i> (1) From type locality: 1 ♀ dissected on slide; leg. V. Cottarelli, 25 February 1999; deposited in NHM, reg. no. 2005.186; (2) south of Salerno, mouth of Torrente Asa, near the village of Pontecagnano Faiano: 2 ♀♀ on slide, 1 ♀ and 1 ♂ on slide, 4 ♂♂ each on 1 slide; all specimens mounted <i>in toto</i>; leg. V. Cottarelli, 20 November 1972; deposited in NHM, reg. nos. 2005.187–194; (3) several specimens from rivermouth of Rio Posada, Nuoro Province, western Sardinia; leg. V. Cottarelli.</p> <p> <i>Additional observations</i></p> <p> <i>Female:</i> Anal operculum spinulose, with 7–10 large spinules (Fig. 7B). Caudal ramus with dorsal spinules at inner distal corner and around base of seta VII; the oblique ventral setule row figured by Cottarelli (1971: Tav. I-3, left ramus only) is absent but some fine long setules are present along the inner margin; ventral surface with pore near proximal margin and tube-pore subdistally; ramus with 7 setae as in <i>D. obscura</i>.</p> <p> Antennule clearly 9-segmented; armature formula as in <i>D. obscura</i>.</p> <p> Antenna (Fig. 7C). Basis and proximal endopod segment incompletely separated; abexopodal seta of proximal endopod segment much shorter than that on basis; armature of distal endopod segment as in <i>D. obscura</i>.</p> <p>Mandibular endopod with 6 apical setae instead of 5 as figured by Cottarelli (1971: Tav. II-2).</p> <p> Maxillule and maxilla as in <i>D. obscura</i>.</p> <p>Maxilliped less slender than figured by Cottarelli (1971: Tav. II-8); basis with additional seta on palmar margin and spinule row on posterior surface; endopodal claw more elongate than in original description.</p> <p>P1 exopod 3-segmented; exp-1 and -2 with outer unipinnate spine and covered with coarse spinules around outer and distal margins; exp-3 small, with 2 unipinnate geniculate spines and 2 long bare setae; boundary between exp-2 and -3 not always clearly defined. Endopod 2-segmented; enp-1 with serrate inner seta [overlooked in Cottarelli (1971: Tav. III-1,4)].</p> <p>P2–P3 exp-2 with plumose inner seta [overlooked in Cottarelli (1971: Tav. III-2,6)].</p> <p> P1–P4 armature formula and detailed morphology of P5 as in <i>D. obscura</i>.</p> <p> <i>Male:</i> Caudal rami with large cup-shaped pore ventrally halfway along ramus length.</p> <p> Antennule haplocer with 5 segments distal to geniculation; indistinctly 13-segmented; boundaries between segments 11 and 13 expressed only dorsally, completely fused ventrally. Segment 5 small, represented by small U-shaped sclerite. Segment 6 with long aesthetasc fused basally to seta. Armature formula as in <i>D. obscura</i>.</p> <p> P4 closely resembling condition in <i>D. obscura</i> but distal seta on exp-3 shorter.</p> <p> P5 (Fig. 7E) essentially as in <i>D. obscura</i> except that exopodal spines are longer and more slender, and middle endopodal spine has long spinules instead of being denticulate.</p> <p>Sixth pair of legs strongly asymmetrical, with both members fused to genital somite and bearing 1 short bare and 1 long plumose seta; largest member functional one, inner portion rounded and with denticulate free margin.</p>Published as part of <i>Huys, Rony, Karaytuǧ, Süphan & Cottarelli, Vezio, 2005, On the synonymy of Delamarella Chappuis and Latiremus Bo | ic (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Latiremidae), including the description of D. obscura sp. nov. from the Black Sea, pp. 263-281 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 145 (3)</i> on pages 271-278, DOI: 10.1111/j.1096-3642.2005.00188.x, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/5435234">http://zenodo.org/record/5435234</a>
FIGURE 2 in Proposal of Fiersiphontina gen. nov., redescription of Fiersiphontina sensillata comb. nov., and new data on the distribution of Spiniferaphonte (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae)
No full textFIGURE 2. Fiersiphontina sensillata (Wells & Rao, 1987) comb. nov. A, female: cephalothorax, dorsal view; B, female: first free thoracic somite, dorsal view; C, female: genital double somite, genital field, P6, ventral view; D, female: anal somite, anal operculum, caudal ramus, lateral view (setae numbered in Latin numerals, hook-like processes numbered in Arabic numerals); E, female: anal somite, anal operculum, caudal rami, dorsal view; F, female: rostrum; G, female: antennule, ventral view. Scale bars: 50 μm.Published as part of Bruno, Maria Cristina & Cottarelli, Vezio, 2011, Proposal of Fiersiphontina gen. nov., redescription of Fiersiphontina sensillata comb. nov., and new data on the distribution of Spiniferaphonte (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae), pp. 1-19 in Zootaxa 2809 on page 6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.27710
First record and a new taxon of Stammericaris Jakobi, 1972 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from the Philippines; with an amendment to the generic diagnosis and reassignment of three Palearctic species
No full textWe report on the finding of Stammericaris galichai sp. nov. in the hyporheic habitat of Cantingas River, Sibuyan Island, the Philippines. The new species is attributed to the genus based on the morphology of the male antennule (of the “pocket-knife” type); the presence of a hook on the inner margin of the basis of the male first pereopod; the male third pereopod with a long apophysis and two groups of outer spinules on the first exopodal segment; the endopodite of the male forth pereopod reduced, but corresponding to the basic morphology of the genus, and the basis ornamented with two spinules on inner margin, one of which long and inwardly-curved, one small and with apex consisting of three small lobes. Stammericaris galichai sp. nov. does not have one taxonomically and morphologically closest species within the genus, possibly due to its geographical isolation. Based on some aspects of the morphology of Stammericaris galichai sp. nov. (namely, the shape of the fifth pereopod) and other species of Stammericaris, the description of the genus is slightly amended, and the Palearctic taxa Parastenocaris balcanica Petkovski, 1959, P. nertensis Rouch, 1990, P. triphyda Cottarelli & Bruno, 1993 are transferred to the genus Stammericaris. Stammericaris galichai sp. nov. is the first representative of the genus for the Philippines, and for the entire Oriental Region. The faunistic and biogeographical relevance of the new species is discussed with particular focus on the discovery of this freshwater stygobitic species in a volcanic island which has never been in contact with other landmasses. A map of the distribution of Parastenocarididae hitherto known for the Philippines, including a new station in Mindoro for the endemic Parastenocaris distincta Cottarelli, Bruno & Berera, 2006, is also provide
Endemism, allopatry and passive transport: the case of two Proserpinicaris (Crustacea, Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from Sardinia
No full textProserpinicaris is a genus of Parastenocarididaewith wide geonemy,it includes specialized
taxaliving exclusively in phreatic and interstitial continental groundwater. The only speciesknown
for Italy are:P. proserpina (Chappuis 1938) from Southern and Central Italy,P. amalasuntae (Bruno
and Cottarelli 1988) from Latium and Tuscany in Central Italy, P.kalypso (Pesce et al., 1988) from
Sicily. In Sardinia,P.admète (Cottarelli et al., 1980) was collected from the hyporheic habitat of
several streams in the island, and P.ima (Cottarelli 1989) from phreatic waters in the island of La
Maddalena; a third species was collected in the Asinara island from the hyporheos at the estuary of
the creek "BaddeLonga".This Proserpinicaris is new for Science and its complex of morphological
characters highlight its remarkable affinity with P. admète.The Asinarawas the terminal portion of
the Stintino Peninsula, separating from the mainland at the end of the Würm, when melting of the
ice caps caused the rise of the sea level (Flandrian or Versiliantransgression).These geological
phenomena are recent (the transgression peak occurred about 6500 years ago), but the time span
seems to have been sufficient to allow the ancestor populations to undergo allopatricspeciation,
resulting in the two strongly relatedspeciesResearch on species of Italian Parastenocarididaeat the
molecular levelis currently in progress andone species of Proserpinicaris was already sequenced
andmore molecular data will allow to clarify the framework outlined here.Although this speciation
scenario seems very likely, other hypothesis such as passive anthropic dispersion can not be ruled
out. In fact, Parastenocarididaedo not tolerate marine waters and are strongly linked to narrow
environmental conditions. Laboratory experiments in progress at the University of Catania show
that these harpacticoids can survive for several months, in small sealed containers with a small
amount of water and without food or oxygen input.A possible transport through wet sands or
containers containing water could explain the presence of a Proserpinicarisin Asinara, and of
otherParastenocarididae in oceanic islands (Schabetsberger, 2009). Moreover, a
newParastenocarididae was collected inSablayan, a volcanic island of the Philippines which
hasnever been in contact with other mainland (Cottarelli, pers.com)
The epikarst of some Sicilian caves: an "ultima thule" for crustacean meiofauna?
No full textPollution and global change are strongly affecting groundwater habitats of several Italian regions, with impacts on
their biotic communities and strong decrease of their biodiversity. Starting in 2009, our research group has been
investigating the crustacean meiofauna collected from the epikarst of four caves in Sicily, (Conza, di Entella, della
Molara (PA) and del Cavallo caves (AG)), representing the first research in this habitat for Sicily, and one in Calabria
(Vucco Ucciardo Cave, CS). We focused our research on harpacticoid copepods, mainly of the family
Parastenocarididae, a characteristic and highly specialized component of groundwater fauna worldwide. The results of
our research, when compared with older records, highlight the conservation value of the epikarstic habitats and their
taxocoenosys:
a) Stammericaris trinacriae (Galassi, Pesce, Cottarelli, 1989) was collected only in 1987 from two wells in Trapani
Province which have now been filled up. A new, very abundant population was collected from the epikarstic drip and
rimstone pools of di Entella Cave throughout a 2-year sampling campaign conducted monthly in 2012-2014. This is
the first record of a Parastenocarididae from an evaporitic cave;
b) Nitocrella stammeri Chappuis, 1938 a representative of the family Ameiridae with perimediterranean geonemy,
was extinct in one of the 19 recorded Sicilian populations (STOCH, 2003-2004): the well of Porto Palo (SR)
(monitored in 2005), where it was originally collected in 1978. A new populations of this species was collected in
2014 from a typical carbonatic karstic fissured acquifer, in the rimstone pools of del Cavallo Cave;
c) a new species of Cottarellicaris, presently under study, was collected in 2013 and 2015 from rimstone pools in
Vucco Ucciardo Cave;
d) Stammericaris diversitatis (Cottarelli and Bruno, 2013) was collected in several occasions from 2009 to 2014 from
the rimstone pools and epikarstic drip of Conza Cave, where it is endemic.
All the caves where these species were collected are dry caves, exclusively recharged by percolating rainfall. Hence,
the rainfall-fed epikarst underlying unfarmed soil could represent a refuge for sensitive taxa, when compared with
other more easily polluted habitats (e.g., the hyporheic zone of streams and rivers), and should be carefully protected
since it could harbor endangered, endemic or rare specie
Morphological and molecular characterization of three new parastenocarididae (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) from caves in Southern Italy
No full textWe describe three new parastenocaridid: Cottarellicaris sanctiangeli Bruno & Cottarelli sp. nov., Stammericaris vincentimariae Bruno & Cottarelli sp. nov. and Proserpinicars specincola Bruno & Cottarelli sp. nov., collected in the pools of five different caves located in Calabria (Southern Italy). We conducted a phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial COI and ribosomal 18S sequences of C. sanctiangeli sp. nov. and S. vincentimariae sp. nov., and of four more species of Stammericaris and one Proserpinicaris available from literature. Based on the molecular study, the specimens of C. sanctiangeli sp. nov. are clearly separated from the species belonging to the closely-related genus Stammericaris. The morphological and molecular data indicate that the genera belonging to the two subfamilies Parastenocaridinae and Fontinalicaridinae form two monophyletic and distinct clades, thus supporting their status. We also provide insights on the genus Proserpinicaris based on morphological data only; in particular, the most important synapomorphic character of the genus, i.e., the taxonomic value of the hyaline structure inserted on the anterior surface of the male leg 4 basis, is discussed based on the development of the P4 endopod, as observed in the last copepodid stage of some species of this genus. Finally, we widen the biogeographic and ecological knowledge of the three genera
Chirocephalus brteki Cottarelli, Aygen & Mura, 2010, sp. nov.
No full textChirocephalus brteki sp. nov. Figs. 8–11; 14; 15 Material examined. 1 3 1 ovigerous Ƥ; Cem Aygen leg. 08/04/ 2005 Type series. Holotype: the only male, partly dissected and mounted in polyvinyl-lactophenol on 8 slides marked Chirocephalus brteki holotype male and numbered from 1 to 8. Allotype: the female, partly dissected and mounted in polyvinyl-lactophenol on 3 slides marked Chirocephalus brteki allotype female and numbered from 1 to 3. The slides are deposited in the Museum of Faculty of Fisheries, Ege University, Izmir-Turkey, registration number ESFM-BRN/05- 1. The undissected parts of both the holotype and paratype were used for SEM preparation and are stored in the collection of G. Mura, Dept. of Animal and Human Biology, University of Rome “La Sapienza”. Type locality. Lake Alan (Alan Gölü) (38 ° 41 ’ 13 ”N 27 ° 10 ’ 43 ”E), 600 m a.s.l., is a shallow lake near Bozalan village in the Menemen area (Izmir county). Although very small (surface area 0.5 ha, 1.5 m maximum depth), this basin never dries up completely. Etymology. We are pleased to dedicate the new species to the late Dr. Jàn Brtek as a sign of appreciation for his numerous and important contributions to the study of Anostraca. Description. Male. Length of preserved material 12.6 mm. Thoracic and abdominal somites unadorned. First antennae (Fig. 8 C) approximately as long as the first antennomere of the second antennae, with claviform tip, provided with three long sub-apical setae and 10 apical aesthetascs. Second antennae (Fig. 8 B; Fig. 14 a–c) short and strong. The first antennomere (Fig. 15 G), longer than the second, is cylindrical and bent medially; proximally, it bears a well developed cylindro-conical apophysis, half as long as the antennomere. The apophysis ends in an apex densely covered by denticles. The second antennomere is strong, falciform, bent medially and exhibiting on its medial margin a hook-like expansion at one-third of its length. On the inner margin, a conical, pointed apophysis bearing a few tubercles on its surface arises near the origin of this antennomere and is one-sixth the length of the antennomere. Lower lamella (Fig. 8 A) small and triangular, without a carina, with lobes and tubercles along the margins and on the surface; latero-proximally, there are four finger-like expansions more markedly developed than the remaining ones, giving the lamella an asymmetrical appearance.Upper lamella (Figs. 8 E–D) long, narrow and pointed, bearing on each side a series of numerous, almost similar digitiform expansions decreasing in size toward the pointed apex. On its lateral margin, there is a group of three-four robust, much more developed digitiform expansions. Labrum (Figs. 9 A–C) characterized by the shape of the ventral distal process and by the presence and position of three groups of longer setae. Mandibles asymmetrical (Figs. 14 d–f). Right mandible: molar surface bearing, at its posterior tip, three pointed projections of the same length. Left molar surface provided with 8 stout teeth differing in size on the lateral outer margin. First pair of maxillae could not be observed.in the sole male available for study. Thoracopods: notopods of the first, sixth and eleventh pair are illustrated (Figs. 10 A–C). The feature of the endopodites of the first and eleventh pair, the first in particular, is characteristic; the margins of those of the sixth and seventh pair do not exhibit the projections observed in the two previously described species. Gonopods. The apophyses of the basal gonopods are wide and short (Fig. 10 E). Apical part of the retractile part of the gonopods (Fig. 10 D) curved and ending in three tiny tubercles. Cercopods longer than the last three metameres. Female: length measured as in the male:12.3 mm. First antennae and oral appendages as in the male. Second antennae (Figs. 9 B; 15 I), seen dorsally, roughly elliptical and ending in a thin apex bent upwards, slightly longer than half the length of the first pair. Labrum and notopods as described in the male. Thoracic segments. Eighth to eleventh provided with latero-dorsal bulges, varying in shape and size depending on the metamere (Figs. 11 A, C). Their number also differs: there are five in the eighth, four in the ninth, two very small in the tenth, and two large and spherical in the eleventh. The eleventh somite also presents two large tubercles on each side (Fig. 11 D). Brood pouch oval (Fig. 11 B and 15 H), roughly reaching the distal margin of the third abdominal somite. Cercopods, as in the male, longer than the last three abdominal somites. Cyst morphology. The morphology of the cysts (Fig. 14 g) is peculiar and markedly differs from any of the previously examined Chirocephalus species (35 of the 49 known, see Mura, 2001), either in the “ diaphanus ” group or in the remaining ones. The surface of the cysts appears somewhat “reticulated” due to the presence of low intersecting ridges. Affinities. We hesitated for a long time before proposing Chirocephalus brteki sp. nov. since, having only two specimens, we did not have information on the constancy or variability of the considered characters. Our decision to propose the new species was based on the fact that such characters are constant in other species of the same group recently described by us. We hope that the discovery of other material will allow us to supplement the present description. Based on the discussed characters, the new species can certainly be ascribed to the “ bairdi ” species group (Brtek, 1995), presently including another seven species and one subspecies: Chirocephalus bairdi (Brauer, 1877); C. kerkyrensis (Pesta, 1936); C. brevipalpis (Orghidan, 1953); C. orghidani Brtek, 1966; C. vornatscheri Brtek, 1968; C. vornatscheri bulgaricus Flossner, 1980; C. murae Brtek & Cottarelli, 2006; C. anatolicus Cottarelli, Mura & Özkütük, 2007. (For further details on the species group, see Brtek & Cottarelli, 2006). The second antennae of the males conform to a pattern quite common to all of the species of the group; the distal article of these appendages, with a relatively small basal apophysis and some tubercles, resembles those seen in C. kerkyrensis and C. murae, and to a lesser degree the corresponding structure of C. bairdi. However, this article is bent in the above three species but not in the new species. Likewise, the ratio between the length of the distal portion from the hook-like expansion to the apex and the length of the entire article is different. The apophysis of the basal article of the antenna is claviform and twice as long as the distal one. Because of these features, the new species is closest to C. kerkyrensis and most distant from C. brevipalpis. C. brteki sp. nov. is characterized by an upper lamella longer than the lower lamella and by three digitiform latero-basal expansions: a similar morphology can be seen in C. kerkyrensis (cf. Cottarelli 1965), C. brevipalpis and C. murae. C. brteki sp. nov. clearly differs from the remaining species of the group by the peculiar pattern of the lower lamella, very unlike what is observed in the other taxa of the “ bairdi ” group. In fact, many species of the group (C. kerkyrensis, C. vornatscheri, C. orghidani, C. murae, C. anatolicus) have a lower lamella more or less markedly divided into two lobes. The structure of the rigid part of the gonopods (particularly wide and short) is another discriminant feature: in this regard, C. vornatscheri and C. brevipalpis are closest to the new species, in that C. murae, C. anatolicus and C. kerkyrensis have a much narrower and longer rigid part of the gonopods. The eversible portion differs from the corresponding one in C. murae, being narrower and longer, whereas in C. anatolicus it is bent almost at a right angle at its apex. No description is available for the other taxa of the group. As regards the particular ornamentation on somites VIII–XI in the female of C. brteki, it can be noted that many other species of this group are characterized by ornamented thoracic, genital or abdominal metameres(cf. Brtek & Cottarelli, 2006; Cottarelli et al., 2007). However, each one, including the new species, can easily be recognized by its exclusive pattern. In its shape and pattern, the brood pouch resembles that of C. kerkyrensis and seems slightly longer and more tapering than those of C. murae and C. anatolicus. Remarks. Besides increasing our knowledge of the biodiversity of these interesting crustacean groups, the recognition of the two new species described herein contributes to a better understanding of the distribution of these taxa, in particular the Chirocephalu s species of the “ bairdi ” group. Given their abundance in that area, Turkey seems to be their favourite habitat. It is true that information about the distribution of Anostraca in Asia Minor (and even in Turkey) is still far from complete; nonetheless, Asiatic Turkey can be considered a possible centre of origin and dispersion of the members of the “ bairdi ” group. In addition to morphological characters, Chirocephalus algidus sp. nov. seems to share with the remaining species of the subgenus Chirocephalellus (Ruffo & Vesentini, 1957) an especial preference for high level pools and an eastern distribution. Hence, future research may enable us to define a new species group based on ecological requirements in addition to morphological features. In the two new species, we considered additional characters introduced previously (Brtek & Cottarelli, 2006; Cottarelli et al., 2007), with the aim of finding new discriminant features that allow quick and easy identification of the taxa. The taxonomic importance of such characters as the morphology of the labrum, Mx 1 and Mx 2 of both sexes must be regarded as in need of further support due to the small number of specimens available for study. In contrast, the diagnostic value of the shape and size of the apical setae and of the sensilli of the first antennae is confirmed, since these characters do not vary within the single species. Further support of this conclusion comes from the results of an ongoing study on a large number of Italian populations of Chirocephalus diaphanus diaphanus. The same holds for the sexual dimorphism noted in the endopodites of the sixth pair (but not only in this pair) of all of the species of the “ diaphanus ” group thus far examined. In this case, the differences between males and females are constant within a species, again confirmed by the large number of C. diaphanus diaphanus populations under study. We conclude by considering another important aspect: the increasing loss of biodiversity. As stated by Naiman (2008), “this is a critical time for organisms living in continental waters”; very many scientists dealing with continental water faunas throughout the world are stressing the risk of extinction faced by colonizers of such habitats. Living in fragile and sensitive habitats like temporary waters, small high level water bodies, etc., Anostraca are particularly endangered, and many species and populations have already disappeared due to various factors (Petrov & Petrov, 1997; Belk, 1998; Mura, 1999; Eder & Hödl, 2002; IUCN Red Data Book). Finding and describing new species is undoubtedly a great satisfaction, but this feeling is frustrated by the doubt that while describing a species we may, at the same time, be writing its obituary.Published as part of Cottarelli, Vezio, Aygen, Cem & Mura, Graziella, 2010, Fairy shrimps from Asiatic Turkey: Redescription of C hirocephalus tauricus Pesta, 1921 and descriptions of C hirocephalus algidus sp. nov. and C hirocephalus brteki sp. nov. (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Anostraca), pp. 29-52 in Zootaxa 2528 on pages 41-51, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19647
Morphological and molecular characterization of three new Parastenocarididae (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) from caves in Southern Italy
No full textWe describe three new parastenocaridid: Cottarellicaris sanctiangeli Bruno & Cottarelli
sp. nov., Stammericaris vincentimariae Bruno & Cottarelli sp. nov. and Proserpinicars specincola
Bruno & Cottarelli sp. nov., collected in the pools of fi ve different caves located in Calabria (Southern
Italy). We conducted a phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial COI and ribosomal 18S
sequences of C. sanctiangeli sp. nov. and S. vincentimariae sp. nov., and of four more species of
Stammericaris and one Proserpinicaris available from literature. Based on the molecular study, the
specimens of C. sanctiangeli sp. nov. are clearly separated from the species belonging to the closelyrelated
genus Stammericaris. The morphological and molecular data indicate that the genera belonging
to the two subfamilies Parastenocaridinae and Fontinalicaridinae form two monophyletic and distinct
clades, thus supporting their status. We also provide insights on the genus Proserpinicaris based on
morphological data only; in particular, the most important synapomorphic character of the genus, i.e.,
the taxonomic value of the hyaline structure inserted on the anterior surface of the male leg 4 basis, is
discussed based on the development of the P4 endopod, as observed in the last copepodid stage of some
species of this genus. Finally, we widen the biogeographic and ecological knowledge of the three genera
Fiersiphontina Bruno & Cottarelli, 2011, gen. nov.
No full textFiersiphontina gen. nov. Diagnosis. Female. Body cylindrical, caudal rami narrowing distally, shorter than anal somite, carrying three distinct hook-like process anterior to seta VII, one small process anterior to seta I, one process on distal outer corner, two ventral distal processes, and seven setae; seta V robust, dorsally bent, and strongly sclerotised. Genital field with one small seta on each P 6 vestige and copulatory pore distinctly posterior to the transverse ridge. Antennule 6 - segmented, first segment with blunt process on outer margin, second segment with large, posteriorly directed hook along outer margin, aesthetasc on fourth and sixth segments. Antennary exopod one-segmented, carrying four subequal pinnate setae. Exopod P 1 one-segmented; endopod P 2 represented by one seta and exopod fused to basis carrying one naked seta and one strong bipinnate spiniform seta; endopod P 3 and P 4 represented by small tubercle carrying one short seta; exopod P 3 one-segmented and exopod P 4 two-segmented; P 5 distinct, with three setae on exopod, basis with one seta on outer peduncle, endopodal lobe with two setae, exopod with three setae. Male. No sexual dimorphism in P 1, P 3, P 4; sexual dimorphism: antennule seven-segmented, aesthetasc on fifth and seventh segments; exopod P 2 vestigial, with one apical strong spiniform seta and two inner sparsely plumose setae; P 5 fused, with three long setae on the exopod and very reduced naked endopodal lobe; P 6 vestigial, asymmetrical, right P 6 with reduced, non-functional plate, left P 6 with large internal plate articulated with the somite, each P 6 with a process carrying two setae. Type and only species. Fiersiphontina sensillata (Wells & Rao, 1987) (= Laophontina sensillata Wells & Rao, 1987: pp. 184–186, figs 149–150), here designated. The diagnosis of the genus coincides with that of the only known and type species of the genus, and must, therefore, be considered provisional. Etymology. The generic name is dedicated to Dr. Frank Fiers, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium, for his important contribution to the knowledge of Laophontidae. The generic name is a combination of his name and the suffix – phontina commonly used in genus type names of this family. Gender feminine.Published as part of Bruno, Maria Cristina & Cottarelli, Vezio, 2011, Proposal of Fiersiphontina gen. nov., redescription of Fiersiphontina sensillata comb. nov., and new data on the distribution of Spiniferaphonte (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae), pp. 1-19 in Zootaxa 2809 on pages 2-3, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.27710
FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR BINDING PROTEIN 1 (FGFBP1) CONTRIBUTES IN THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER
No full textThe Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized vascular structure whose aim is to tightly regulate the permeability between the blood flow and the Central Nervous System (CNS). To this purpose, the ECs in the brain need to present some peculiar features: the presence of high-resistance tight junctions (TJs) to block paracellular permeability, the lack of fenestrations, and the expression of some specific transmembrane transporters to selectively allow the entrance of nutrients and the exit of toxic metabolites. The high level of specialization of the brain microvasculature is obtained as a result of the interaction of the endothelial compartment with the other components of the so-called NeuroVascular Unit (NVU), such as the Basement Membrane (BM), pericytes and astrocyte end-feet.
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway, that is specifically activated in CNS vessels during development, regulates BBB initiation and maintenance. Moreover, inactivation of this pathway in vivo leads to angiogenic defects in the CNS and not in other vascular regions.
Affymetrix analysis previously performed in our group provided a list of genes whose transcription is selectively regulated upon Wnt3a stimulation in murine primary ECs isolated from brain (bMEC). One of the most upregulated transcripts is that of Fibroblast Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 (FGFBP1) gene.
FGFBP1 is a cargo protein that, after being secreted in the extracellular matrix (ECM), is able to non-covalently bind the FGF immobilized in the ECM and to mobilize it, protecting it from degradation and presenting it to FGF tyrosine-kinase receptor on the cell membrane.
Given the capability of Wnt3a stimulation to selectively induce FGFBP1 expression in brain ECs, we hypothesized that this protein could be involved in the process of initiation and/or maturation of the BBB.
In this work, we demonstrate in vivo in the zebrafish model that FGFBP1 knock down by morpholino presents vascular abnormalities in the brain and in the trunk, together with cerebral hemorrhages and impaired permeability. Taking advantage of the endothelial-specific FGFBP1 knock out murine model, we further demonstrate that inhibition of endothelial FGFBP1 expression affects brain vascular development, causing vascular defects and increased BBB permeability and also influencing the number of pericytes and the composition of the BM. Finally, we show in vitro that FGFBP1 absence promotes a “tip-like” phenotype and an increase in the expression of Plvap in bMECs.
In conclusion, our work proposes a novel role for FGFBP1 in the maintenance of the properties of the BBB and in the regulation of the complex interactions of the endothelial compartment with the other components of the NVU
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